What To Know
- Both the Surface Go and the Surface 3 boast a sleek and modern design, embodying the signature Microsoft Surface aesthetic.
- The Surface 3, on the other hand, is built with a polycarbonate shell, giving it a slightly more plastic feel.
- The Surface Go boasts a battery life of up to 9 hours, allowing you to work or play for an entire workday without needing a recharge.
Choosing the right Microsoft Surface device can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular models that often come up in discussions are the Surface Go and the Surface 3. While both offer portability and productivity, they cater to different needs and budgets. This comprehensive guide will delve into the key differences between the Microsoft Surface Go and Surface 3, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific requirements.
Design and Build: A Visual Comparison
Both the Surface Go and the Surface 3 boast a sleek and modern design, embodying the signature Microsoft Surface aesthetic. However, subtle differences exist in their construction.
The Surface Go, available in both Wi-Fi and LTE models, features a magnesium alloy chassis that feels sturdy and premium. Its compact size and lightweight design make it highly portable, ideal for students, casual users, and professionals on the go.
The Surface 3, on the other hand, is built with a polycarbonate shell, giving it a slightly more plastic feel. While it’s still lightweight, it might not feel as durable as the Surface Go.
Display: A Clear Picture of the Difference
Screen size and resolution are crucial factors for a comfortable viewing experience. The Surface Go offers a 10.5-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 1920 x 1280 pixels, resulting in sharp and vibrant visuals. This display is perfect for browsing the web, watching videos, and light productivity tasks.
The Surface 3 comes with a slightly larger 10.8-inch display, but its resolution falls short at 1920 x 1080 pixels. While still acceptable, the pixel density is lower than the Surface Go, making the visuals less crisp.
Performance: Powering Through Your Workload
The heart of any device lies in its processor. The Surface Go comes equipped with Intel Pentium Gold or Core m3 processors, depending on the model. These processors are sufficient for everyday tasks like browsing, email, and light multitasking.
The Surface 3, however, relies on a less powerful Intel Atom x7 processor. While it can handle basic tasks, it struggles with demanding applications and multitasking. You might experience lag or slow performance when running resource-intensive software.
Storage and Memory: Expanding Your Horizons
Both devices offer various storage and RAM options to suit different needs. The Surface Go comes with 64GB or 128GB of storage and 4GB or 8GB of RAM. The Surface 3 offers 64GB or 128GB storage options with 4GB of RAM. While the storage options are similar, the Surface Go’s availability of 8GB RAM provides an edge in multitasking and handling more demanding applications.
Battery Life: Staying Connected Throughout the Day
Battery life is a crucial factor for mobile devices, and both Surface Go and Surface 3 perform well in this area. The Surface Go boasts a battery life of up to 9 hours, allowing you to work or play for an entire workday without needing a recharge.
The Surface 3 also offers impressive battery life, lasting up to 10 hours on a single charge. This extended battery life makes it suitable for extended travel or long workdays.
Ports and Connectivity: Staying Connected
The Surface Go and Surface 3 offer a range of ports and connectivity options to suit your needs. Both devices feature a USB-C port, a microSD card reader, and a headphone jack. The Surface Go also includes a Surface Connect port for charging and connecting peripherals.
The Surface 3, on the other hand, comes with a proprietary magnetic charging port, which might limit compatibility with certain accessories.
Software and Features: A Seamless Experience
Both the Surface Go and Surface 3 run Windows 10, offering a familiar and user-friendly interface. They come pre-loaded with a suite of Microsoft apps, including Office 365, OneNote, and Edge.
The Surface Go also benefits from the inclusion of Windows Hello facial recognition for secure and convenient login.
Price and Value: Finding the Sweet Spot
The Surface Go and Surface 3 offer different price points, reflecting their features and performance. The Surface Go starts at a lower price, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users.
The Surface 3, while slightly more affordable, might not offer the same level of performance or features as the Surface Go.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right Surface for You
So, which device is right for you? The answer depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Choose the Surface Go if:
- You need a compact and portable device.
- You prioritize performance for everyday tasks and light multitasking.
- You value a premium build quality and a vibrant display.
- You are on a tighter budget.
Choose the Surface 3 if:
- You are looking for a more affordable option.
- You primarily use your device for basic tasks like browsing and email.
- You value a longer battery life.
Beyond the Surface: Exploring Other Options
While the Surface Go and Surface 3 are excellent choices, other Microsoft Surface devices cater to different needs. For instance, the Surface Pro line offers more powerful performance and a detachable keyboard, making it ideal for professionals and creative users. The Surface Laptop series prioritizes a premium design and a comfortable typing experience, perfect for students and everyday users.
What People Want to Know
1. Can I upgrade the storage on the Surface Go or Surface 3?
Both devices offer expandable storage through a microSD card slot.
2. Are there any accessories available for the Surface Go and Surface 3?
Yes, Microsoft offers a range of accessories, including keyboards, pens, and covers.
3. Can I use the Surface Go or Surface 3 for gaming?
While both devices can handle light gaming, they are not designed for high-end gaming experiences.
4. Which Surface device is best for students?
The Surface Go is a popular choice for students due to its portability, affordability, and productivity features.
5. What is the difference between the Surface Go and Surface Go 2?
The Surface Go 2 offers a larger display, improved performance, and a more refined design compared to the original Surface Go.
